Another thrilling round of cup action saw several Non-League sides advance, with the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup Second Round Proper draw now confirmed.
In the first week of December, lower-tier hopefuls across 20 ties will aim to clear one final hurdle and reach the elusive third round, where Championship and Premier League clubs could await.
Gateshead and Carlisle United are among those flying the flag for the lower leagues after impressive weekend victories, joined by Slough Town, the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, who stunned Altrincham 2-1.
National League Tamworth face Leyton Orient tonight in the curtain-raiser to the first-round action, with Andy Peaks’ side out to conjure more cup magic.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the next stage of the FA Cup.
The next round of ties is pencilled in for the weekend of Saturday 6 December 2025, with exact dates and kick-off times to be confirmed by the FA once TV picks are made.
Any games ending in a draw will go to a replay, offering clubs one final shot at reaching the third round.
Victorious sides will advance where Championship and Premier League opposition await.
What’s at stake financially and competitively?
The stakes – and rewards – continue to rise, with clubs pocketing £79,500 should they make it through to the third round. For non-league sides, that’s a potentially transformative windfall.
Even the losing teams won’t go home empty-handed, collecting £21,200 for their efforts – a tidy sum that could make a real difference across the lower leagues.
WE’RE ON OUR WAY: Brackley Town’s Matt Lowe leads the celebrations after their win over Notts County PICTURE: Mitch Davidson
Which non-league sides are left in the competition?
There are two all non-league clashes in the draw, with the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, Slough, hosting Macclesfield, while Chelmsford City are rewarded for their Essex derby triumph with a tie against familiar opponents Weston-super-Mare.
Gateshead have landed a glamour tie against League Two leaders Walsall, and Carlisle head to the seaside to take on League One outfit Blackpool.
Elsewhere, Brackley Town will once again enjoy home advantage as they welcome Burton Albion, while Sutton United face Shrewsbury Town.
Wealdstone take on Grimsby Town, and National League high-flyers Boreham Wood will meet Notts County.
Finally, Buxton travel to Cheltenham Town after their dramatic win over Chatham Town, and Tamworth could meet Salford City if they can overcome Leyton Orient in tonight’s fixture.
The draw in full
Slough Town v Macclesfield Grimsby Town v Wealdstone Sutton United v Shrewsbury Town Swindon Town v Bolton Wanderers Chelmsford City v Weston-super-Mare Peterborough United v Barnsley Boreham Wood v Newport County Mk Dons v Oldham Athletic Wigan Athletic v Barrow Fleetwood Town v Luton Town Salford City v Tamworth or Leyton Orient Accrington Stanley v Mansfield Town Stockport County v Cambridge United Brackley Town v Burton Albion Blackpool v Carlisle United Gateshead v Walsall Exeter City v Wycombe Wanderers Cheltenham Town v Buxton Chesterfield v Doncaster Rovers Port Vale v Bristol Rovers
Macclesfield goal machine Danny Elliott says there’s no point playing down what’s at stake in the FA Cup – but he knows it’s no different for Slough Town!
Mark Hughes has been there, done that when it comes to the FA Cup – now he wants to treat 3,000 Carlisle United fans to fun and frolics beside the seaside.
